Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has called for defender Rushine De Reuck to be brought back into the Bafana Bafana squad. Barker said the former Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back is ready to play for South Africa again.
De Reuck now plays in Tanzania for Simba, where he is the club captain. Barker said he has watched the defender closely since taking charge of the club in January.
“Yes, I do [think he should be considered],” Barker told iDiski Times when asked about a possible return to the national team.
“He’s been really consistent since I arrived in January. Even before I arrived, he had been putting in some really good performances under the previous coaches,” Barker said.
The coach said De Reuck had shown quality and leadership. He added that the defender has played at a high level in all of Simba’s matches, including games on the continent.
Injuries were the main reason De Reuck dropped out of the Bafana Bafana setup. During his time at Sundowns, he struggled to stay fit and could not find regular game time.
Barker said Simba changed the way it looks after the player’s fitness. According to the coach, this has helped De Reuck stay on the field and improve his form this season.
“Rushine maybe in the past had challenges or sort of injury setbacks, but fortunately, you know we’ve been managing him well,” Barker said.
“He’s been playing, you know, week in and week out for us and putting in some really solid performances,” he added.
De Reuck has also gained experience in the CAF Champions League with Simba. Playing often in big African matches has kept him sharp, according to the report.
South African players do not often succeed in the East African top flight. De Reuck has settled well in Tanzania since his move from Sundowns.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is busy rebuilding his squad. Adding players with experience is one of his main aims, according to the report.
Barker ended his comments by asking the national team to watch De Reuck’s games in Tanzania more closely.
“So, I do believe that the national team should keep an eye out for him. He’s got the experience, he’s got the quality, so hopefully you know there is a consideration for him,” Barker said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Goal.com. Image: Goal.com. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.